Time to Depart (Marcus Didius Falco Series #7)

by Lindsey Davis

Overview

Petronius Longus, captain of the Aventine watch and Falco's oldest friend, has finally nailed one of Rome's top criminals. Under Roman law, citizens are not imprisoned but are allowed "time to depart" into exile outside the Empire. One dark and gloomy dawn, Petro and Falco put the evil Balbinus aboard a ship.

But soon after, an outbreak of robbery and murder suggests a new criminal ring has moved into Balbinus's territory. Petro and Falco must descend into the underworld of Vespasian's Rome to investigate.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781466857483
Publisher:	St. Martin's Publishing Group
Publication date:	06/30/2015
Series:	Marcus Didius Falco Series , #7
Sold by:	Macmillan
Format:	eBook
Pages:	300
File size:	2 MB

About the Author

Lindsey Davis was born and raised in Birmingham, England. After taking an English degree at Oxford and working for the civil service for thirteen years, she “ran away to be a writer.” Her internationally bestselling novels featuring ancient Roman detective Marcus Didius Falco include Venus in Copper, The Iron Hand of Mars,Nemesis and Alexandria. She is also the author of Rebels and Traitors, set during the English Civil War. Davis is the recipient of the Crime Writers’ Association Cartier Diamond Dagger Award, the highest accolade for crime writers, as well as the Ellis Peters Historical Dagger Award and the Authors' Club Best First Novel award.
Lindsey Davis was born and raised in Birmingham, England. After taking an English degree at Oxford and working for the civil service for thirteen years, she “ran away to be a writer.” Her internationally bestselling novels featuring ancient Roman detective Marcus Didius Falco include Venus in Copper, The Iron Hand of Mars, Nemesis and Alexandria. She is also the author of Rebels and Traitors, set during the English Civil War. Davis is the recipient of the Crime Writers’ Association Cartier Diamond Dagger Award, the highest accolade for crime writers, as well as the Ellis Peters Historical Dagger Award and the Authors' Club Best First Novel award.

Reading Group Guide

1. Falco was originally derived as a classic genre 'private eye'. What do you consider to be the criteria for this and does Falco fit the model?

2. Compare how the Vigiles in Time to Depart relate to characters in modern 'police procedural' crime novels. What are the similarities and differences?

3. Explore how Falco balances his personal and professional responsibilities. In what ways does Falco's job as an informer affect his friendship with Petronius Longus? Where do you think his loyalties lie?

4. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of writing in the first person. Does a first person narrative present any particular problems in developing the story in a crime novel?

5. Helena Justina doesn't always act like a typical Roman girl of her standing. Why do you think this is and is it true to say that what never changes in history is human nature?

6. Examine the use of speech and language in Time to Depart. How successful is the author in conveying the way Ancient Romans actually spoke whilst writing for a modern audience?

7. How can a woman write as a man?

Editorial Reviews

Davis is both a deft storyteller and a scholar.

Newsday

Davis's vision of everyday life in the Roman Empire is superb!

Detroit Free Press

Roman history and culture are nice accessories for the more durable tool that Davis employs -- hilariously good writing.

Washington Post Book World

 • "Non-stop action, excitements and astonishments — a real cracker." —The Good Book Guide

 • "Davis's writing zings with fun." —Daily Mail

From the Publisher